The use of appropriate conservation and refurbishment techniques is critical to the preservation of buildings. This major 3-part Digest gives advice on how to apply safe, effective, appropriate and enduring conservation techniques to masonry. It outlines how to identify masonry constituents and associated mortars, and how to diagnose the causes of deterioration. It advocates avoidance of cleaning to optimise the life of masonry but outlines its use where appropriate. The first part of the Digest (published in 2008) deals with conservation of stonework, the second part (published in 2009) covers brickwork, blockwork and terracotta and the third part (published 2011) tackles renders, plasters and stucco. The companion Digest 502 explains the principles of the conservation of masonry in historic buildings.

Contents

Part One: Stonework

Identifying existing stone and mortar

Causes of deterioration

Remedial work

Repairs

Conclusion

References

Appendices

 

Part Two: Brickwork, blockwork and terracotta

Identifying existing brick and mortar

Causes of deterioration

Remedial work

Repairs

Maintenance schedules and optimisation of durability

Conclusion

References

Appendices

Part Three: Renders, plasters and stucco

Terminology

History of the use of internal and external plaster

Identifying and reporting plaster and render constituents, their specification and condition

Constitution, sources of raw materials, manufac­turing, varieties and how plasters and renders work

Specification and application techniques for both new work and repairs

High-technology application-specific finishes

Causes of deterioration

Remedial work

Conclusion

References and further reading

Appendices